Chez Teamvideo
This mistake could cost you dearly 💀 - Ep. 89 - ICW - Chez Team
February 1, 2026 · 34 min · 31K views · Gunnison County, United States
Sailboat glides under bridge at golden hour on ICW
What this video covers
Navigating the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) requires constant vigilance regarding tidal range, bridge clearances, and overhead power lines. During a transit from Beaufort, the crew encountered an extraordinary low tide that caused widespread groundings throughout the channel, including their own vessel at Carolina Beach.24:05 While anchored, the boat swung into shallow water as the tide receded, forcing a five-hour wait for the water to rise before they could safely motor off the bottom.30:11 The crew noted that local fuel dock operators confirmed the tide was significantly lower than normal, leading to multiple distress calls from other vessels in the area.30:32 Throughout the passage, the crew managed bridge openings and low-hanging power lines, often requiring precise positioning to maintain vertical clearance.31:26 They utilized heating systems to manage temperatures dropping below freezing during a cold front and relied on electronic charts and depth sounders to navigate narrow, silt-heavy channels.21:24 The experience highlighted that even in well-traveled channels, extreme tidal events can render standard anchorage depths and navigation routes hazardous.
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